UAPB Human Sciences Graduate Overcomes Challenges to Fulfill Education Dreams

Courtesy of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

When she received her Human Development Family Studies diploma from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) during the commencement ceremony on May 11, Shamika Mason Brazil fulfilled a dream that at times seemed out of reach. Though she faced challenges balancing her studies with being a mother of three daughters, a wife and a full-time caregiver to her grandmother, she says that she has made it to the finish line thanks to the support of family and valuable lessons in faith and perseverance.

Brazil, who graduated from Fordyce High School in 1996, said she always admired her home economics teachers. However, she was resistant to the idea of following in their footsteps and becoming a teacher.

“When I was in high school from 1993 to 1996, my teachers and mentors Bethel Byrd and Wanda Andrews always predicted that someday I would be teaching – that I was born to work with kids,” she said. “At the time, I was sure I did not want to teach. But lately, as I finish my degree, reflecting on those conversations with my mentors has been a self-fulfilling experience.”

After high school graduation, Brazil enrolled in Southern Arkansas Technical University in Camden, Arkansas, but eventually had to put her undergraduate studies on hold. She began working at a local child development center as an aide in the classroom. In November 2009, she transitioned to the Early Head Start/Head Start Program in Fordyce. She eventually decided to make a change that would help her in her role as a full-time caregiver for her grandmother, the late Annie J. Vaughan Nettles.

Brazil was raised by her grandmother and credits her for the woman she is today.

“At the age of 83, my grandmother was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” she said. “Although the surgery was successful, she was left immobile and bed bound. I felt extremely blessed to be there to care for her because she stepped in to take care of me when I was just three months old.”

On October 5, 2020, Brazil decided to transition working for the Fordyce School District, which would allow her to be closer to her children and to better care for her grandmother.

“When I spent time on campus, I enjoyed interacting with different teachers and making new connections,” she said. “One day I ended up sitting down with a colleague who asked, ‘Have you ever thought about mentoring or counseling? Have you thought about returning to school to finish your degree?’”

At that point, Brazil could not stop thinking about the possibility of completing her undergraduate education. She dwelled on and prayed about the issue daily. When she sat down at the computer to research where to obtain a degree in human development and family studies, all signs pointed to UAPB.

It was a meeting with Dr. Marilyn Bailey, interim chair of the UAPB Department of Human Sciences, that convinced Brazil that she had to take a leap of faith.

“During my meeting with Dr. Bailey, I expressed my worries and doubts as to whether I could balance all the responsibilities of being a mother and caregiver with this degree program,” she said. “Dr. Bailey gave me her testimony about perseverance that made me want to push forward despite my fears. She saw my anxiety, but calmed the storm by telling me that in life we sometimes must face challenges that scare us.”

In her work with children, Brazil would often repeat the inspirational quote by Fred Devito, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

“Suddenly, it was like this quote that I always taught my students was staring me in the face,” she said. “I had to take my own advice. I talked it over with my husband and later with my children. I told my girls that, ‘Momma is going to try something different for a while. I may be overwhelmed at times, and I am going to need you all.’ They all gave me their total support and encouragement – I enrolled at UAPB in the spring semester of 2022.”

In January 2023, Brazil’s grandmother passed away.

“My grandmother and I conquered so much together,” she said. “She was my rock and my foundation, always cheering me on and uplifting me. I would not be the woman or the mother I am today without her influence. She taught me to be present, to be accountable and to always do my absolute best.”

Brazil said her daughters and her immediate family members played a key role in caregiving for their great-grandmother before she passed away.

“I am very glad my girls experienced this with me – caregiving teaches compassion and empathy,” she said. “We all age, we all go through different seasons in life. I was able to witness how my daughter learned patience and the importance of being present in the moment. Life is always going to bring about challenges and calamities – but what is most important is how we move forward.”

Losing her grandmother – whom Brazil had always referred to as “Mom” – was a difficult trial.

“After losing her, I started to lose hope,” she said. “I even thought about dropping out of school since I still had an entire year and a half left. It all seemed too overwhelming to handle. Thankfully, God told me to keep going. I also received support from Dr. Bailey, Dr. Karleah Harris and Dr. Janette Wheat in the Department of Human Sciences. They all reminded me to think about how I would benefit in the future if I just kept going and stayed the course.”

Brazil said prayer and faith has been key to getting her to the finish line.

“I pressed forward and prayed through the difficulties,” she said. “My family members, children and coworkers have also prayed for me. Now that I am finishing my degree, I am able to show my children you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Brazil has accepted a full-time position with Fordyce School District. In the future, she plans to earn a master’s degree in human development and family studies from UAPB.

“Lately I have enjoyed reconnecting with my mentors from high school – the teachers who saw potential in me in my early years,” she said. “Who would have thought that I would get a second chance? That all these years later I would be able to take the steps to become the person I was created to be? Now, as I start to work with children again, my goal is to teach them how to be present, to meet them where they are and show them what they are capable of.”

In her spare time, Brazil enjoys spending time with her family immediate and extended family – mother Renadja Gaston (Bobby); father Randy Mitchell (Pam); spouse Darrin Brazil; children Kaylen Mason, Alyssa Johnson, Alexandria Brazil, Dasia Brazil and KileyAnn Brazil; and grandchildren Daityn Karter Mason and Aceton Brazil; aunt Jackie Archer (Richard); and uncles James and Tony Vaughan. She also enjoys volunteering in extracurricular activities with her students and actively participating in her church, Kedron Church of God in Christ. She is committed to encouraging meaningful relationships, supporting her students’ growth outside the classroom and nurturing her spiritual beliefs.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.